Sometimes life can present many challenges. I know I’m not the only one who can find things pretty tough sometimes. Work may be stressful, the love life could be in the toilet, money is sometimes tight… whatever the case may be you could feel like it’s just too much! Ever feel like you need to just set some goals and reevaluate the situation? We’ve all been there in some way, shape or form. I personally have been trying to give myself a bit of a kick up the bum. I’m 30 years old now and although life is pretty good things can always get better. Metaphorically speaking you could say I’m putting myself through bootcamp! I’m working on my health and fitness, career is going well and i’m doing what I can to be a better friend and daughter. Dressing for the occasion khaki camouflage was my style choice.

I like my clothing to represent my mood. As i’m going through my personal changes I figured why not pick a transitional outfit that is not only perfect for the season, but for my life also. Yours Clothing got in touch with me recently and asked if I’d like to select some items. I’m a jeans girl, always have been always will be! These khaki camouflage skinny jeans caught my eye when I had first seen them. Usually I wear some sort of plain coloured jean, the most adventurous being some sort of acid wash. Opting to have a little more colour in my wardrobe I picked these in size 24. I have to say the fit is really good, these are high waisted with plenty of stretch.

Walking is something I do a lot of and so, good shoes are required. I love a pair of Chelsea boots and figured these would make for a fun bootcamp style look. As much as I like to dress to my mood, it’s fun to be on trend too. For the past few years cold shoulder items have been hugely popular and they still are! With that being said we all need to be prepared for the colder weather and so I figured this sweater would be a nice addition to the outfit. I decided I wanted an oversized fit and so I picked this one in size 26/28. I should note it’s also available in Dusky Pink.

We all have those essential items that we take everywhere! A water bottle, wallet, phone charger, makeup etc. I like a bag that can fit it all in that is easy to wear. Black bags suit almost every outfit. A backpack is both comfortable and practical and is a great item for the autumn and winter months. This medium size one can fit quite a few items and has an internal compartment also, perfect for your keys!

It was fun putting this outfit together. For me it’s a lot more casual than my day to day style allows for but sometimes that’s needed. Of course I had to include a little femininity where possible so I have my pinup style eye makeup as usual, hoop earrings and a purple lipstick. I’m wearing the aptly named Berry Bossy shade 886 from Maybelline New York.

I think if I was actually being sent off to bootcamp I would be ready and dressed for the task! I find that with life’s changes and challenges the important thing is to keep an open mind, embrace the change and make the most of the situation. Hopefully in the next few weeks and months I’ll be reporting on some really positive things that are happening but for now I’m gonna buckle up and work hard. After all the best things are worth working hard for!

*This is a gifted outfit

Remember whatever you wear, feel fabulous in it and do it with a smile!

When it comes to dresses I tend to look for something fresh, fun and a little sexy. Sometimes you just want to be able to step into a room feeling bold, confident, sexy and understated all at the same time. In The Style Curve have a wide variety of dresses, many of which are casual and others that are more suited to dressy occasions. When I saw this flared dress with floral print it caught my eye. I was looking for something that could be easily dressed up or down that had a little something different. I really liked that the colouring was simple and the item could work with a variety of accessories. As I always say multi purpose items can always be a great addition to the wardrobe.

I love that the dress has buttons right the way down the front to allow you the option of being covered up or having an exposed cleavage. Fluted and flared sleeves are very much all the rage at the moment. The wide cut of the arms and sleeves are available for women of all shapes and sizes. Items that would otherwise be a little basic are brought to life with the added character that the shape allows. I personally find that even though there is added fabric there is a sexiness that flared sleeves bring to a look.

I really like the floral print of this dress as it’s a simple beige wash over a black base. The added cinch belt helps to accentuate the waist also. This is an item I could wear in any season. It’s cool enough to wear on a hot or warm day and airy enough to be comfortable in the summertime. Having said all of that I wore it out to dinner last week with black velvet leggings and champagne kitten heels. When I took these pictures the aim was to create a look that was both covered up and sexy. Over the knee boots are a lot of fun to wear and can add a sultry feel to an outfit. This is my favourite pair from a previous Lane Bryant collection and funnily enough, I wore them when I reviewed the Karina dress (still available) from the brand.

Fashion has a way of making you feel emotions and different moods. I like to be expressive with what I wear and channel the different attributesof my personality. This outfit makes me feel cute, sophisticated, girly and sexy all at once! Simplicity was what I was aiming for when putting this look together. Less is most definitely more, flared sleeves and over the knee boots make a pretty big statement on their own! Showing my legs is not something I feel too confident doing so boots like this help me do so whilst feeling covered up.

Your clothing should make you feel incredible. Play around with how you dress yourself and you’ll be amazed by the results.

*This Dress Is A Gifted Item

Remember whatever you wear, feel fabulous in it and do it with a smile!

Don’t you just love it when you find an item of clothing that you can wear in many different ways? A few months back, I was at a preview for some fresh new styles for AW17. Block colours, fun prints and bold cuts were on display for us to see. Navabi is a brand that carries a collection of styles from a wide selection of plus size brands, each with their own flair and all with quality and originality at the forefront of their ethos. One of my very own blogging sisters Bethany aka Arched Eyebrow designed one of their current collections. You can see my review of her hot pink pussy bow blouse here. In truth the cobalt blue items were of course ones I wanted to try out but it was the pink lines that most captivated me, especially this ruffled gingham shirt.

What immediately caught my eye was of course the baby pink gingham. As a huge lover of vintage fashion, gingham contributes to some of my favourite rockabilly and retro looks. The freshness of the colouring with this shirt made the item a transitional piece in my view. I opted to wear a denim mini skirt and high heels with this one but I could see myself styling it in many ways. This could make for a fun and vibrant item in the office or a fun casual item. I could even see this one being worn with a little cowgirl magic for a fab rodeo feel. Bethany 100% has a style of her own and these ruffles are most definitely her!

Trying to find ways to make a classic piece like a shirt have something different can be a huge challenge. The cut and shape of this ruffled gingham shirt is flattering on women of all shapes, sizes, and colours. What I like is that the ruffles bring something fresh and new to whatever you match the shirt with. In my case I wanted a rodeo cowgirl look with a twist. Gingham is something I tend to pair with fun bandanas and cute handbags but I thought i’d let the shirt do the talking this time.

People often assume that I have spades of confidence which I do, but we all have those areas we need to work on. In my case I struggle to show my legs. I hate that they’re covered in scars from playful times in my childhood and aren’t as shapely as I’d like. With all that being said I have always decided to throw myself into the deep end and showcase the very thing I hate to push the boundaries where my confidence lies. This has always helped me in overcoming those personal demons. It helps when you have a baby pink ruffled gingham shirt on with statement shoulders! I find that if you have on an item with a statement colour or cut, the focus is geared to that area. I also find myself feeling more comfortable in that situation.

If you’re looking for something bright and colourful this AW17 then you have to check out the collection by Bethany. Who said autumn and winter has to be dressed in black?! If like me you enjoy bringing colour to the colder months of the year you won’t be disappointed.

*This Shirt Is A Gifted Item

Remember whatever you wear, feel fabulous in it and do it with a smile!

Reality TV is massive in today’s world. We see stars from various shows fronting many campaigns for apparel, beauty products and a variety of other items. I’m not into many shows of this nature but as a Londoner, Made In Chelsea has been my guilty pleasure for the past few years. The beautifully shot scenery of my home town and dramatic stories have kept myself and many other viewers hooked! One of the show’s longest running characters, who happens to be stunningly beautiful and stylish is Alexandra Felstead aka Binky. For quite a while now Binky has teamed up with a brand I love In The Style for some fun and fresh collections. I really love the casual and edgy feel of the items and I was happy to see that many items from the range are available in their Curve collection. This oversized sweater dress being one of them.

Summer in the UK this year was minimal. It’s fair to say that we didn’t have much of a season and so transitional looks are how I’m making the most of my wardrobe. I really like how simple this dress is whilst still having some colour and a bit of character. I should note that when it comes to In The Style Curve items I tend to wear sizes 22 and 24. With this dress I opted for a size 28 as I really wanted it to fit in an oversized way. It’s no secret that I have a large bust, big bum and a tummy. To get the desired look I decided to up-size, I’d say it’s a true to size item more than oversized.

I really enjoy wearing dresses that can be paired with others or worn on their own. I thought about wearing this one with some wet look leggings but decided against it. What girl doesn’t love a good pair of knee high leather boots? I pulled on some fun fish net tights and opted for my Jilsen Denise boots from Wide Calf Boot Store. Ladies like myself often struggle to find good quality boots to fit our calves. I can highly recommend this brand if you’re looking for a variety of style options this season. In my case I like a pair of knee high black boots for autumn and winter as they work with so many outfits.

I have to say I really love the range of clothing items in Binky’s range. It’s really nice to see that so many of the items in the main range are available in plus size too. This dress in particular makes me feel really sexy when wearing it even though it’s essentially an oversized sweater. The length is just right for a short dress and doesn’t hitch up high over my bum. The item makes for a fun casual piece that can easily be dressed up or down. The floral embroidered sleeves are really fun and the cute detail brings some rich colour to a black piece. I even found the perfect lippy to match the flowers, Orange Danger shade 883 from Maybelline.

I decided to wear this in a casual way but it could easily be dressed up with some cute stiletto heels, fun accessories and bright makeup. No doubt there will be more edgy and fun items to come from Binky and In the Style in the near future and I can’t wait to see them! Check out the other items in the current collection from In The Style Curve, rich colours, fun patterns and prints and sassy cuts are available. It’s definitely worth taking a look as there is something for everyone.

Stay tuned here on the blog as I’ll be sharing more items from the brand here on the blog very soon!

Have fun with your look this season and don’t ditch those summer items just yet. You may be able to include them in a fun transitional look. If you are wanting something a little warmer you should definitely try out a sweater dress. Who would have thought that a sweater with a little extra length could be so fun and sexy to wear?!

*Dress And Boots Are Gifted Items

Remember whatever you wear, feel fabulous in it and do it with a smile!

Music is absolutely everything to me. I have loved music for as long as I can remember and have always enjoyed all things related to it. As a musician I spent many years singing and performing. I have found that my love of music has developed in many ways as the years pass by… Times were always hard as a fat woman on stage. When I was coming up in the game it was very much a thing that image is everything and to be a larger woman was not acceptable. Needless to say I struggled in this area as the fashion options were so limited… As popular as treble clefs and music symbols are I have struggled to find music print clothing. So you can imagine how excited I was to finally find a music print vintage dress.

Rose Gal contacted me a short while ago and asked if I would like to review some of their clothing. As soon as I saw this dress I knew I wanted to try it. I’ve been on the hunt for music print clothing for ages! I can’t begin to tell you how long I was searching for something available in plus size… The material for the dress is satin so there is little to no stretch in the fabric. I’m wearing this one in size 5XL (UK 22/24 in their sizing). I should note that there is very little boob room and it fits a little tight in that area. Truth be told I didn’t really care though, a 50s style dress with white music score print is right up my alley.

When I first tried this one on I wasn’t sure how I would style it due to the tightness in the chest area. I decided that I’d have fun with a rockabilly look. Pulling out my red tulle petticoat from Vivien Of Holloway, this gave the dress a little added volume. I have more than 2 red bandanas so that was an easy addition to the outfit. Topping off the look with my black biker jacket, red lip clutch and fave red lipstick shade and I was set! I figured if I can’t have fun wrapped up in music who can!?

Playing around with retro looks is always fun to me. I always feel super sexy and feminine even if my cleavage is totally covered and my curves are hidden beneath the many folds of my petticoats. Vintage fashion is something I wish I could wear more in my day to day life. The big, bright and playful looks always lift my mood and my confidence levels. You will be sure to find me in vintage stores whenever I venture out looking for a pretty frock to wear somewhere special. The challenge is trying to find a way to incorporate retro looks into my work wardrobe. This may be something I can play around with in the near future. Stay tuned on the blog for upcoming styles!

I will forever be grateful to have musical abilities and thank God each and every day for blessing my life in that area. Music has brought so many amazing people into my life, friends, colleagues and even family members. I am connected to music of every genre and style and will forever create and sing songs. The last time I really had fun on stage was in church and I hope I get to perform again soon as I miss it. Who knows maybe I’ll even get to do so in this dress! Music makes me happy and is one thing I simply could not live without so to finally be able to not only listen to it, create it and observe it, I can now wear it!

One colour I didn’t enjoy wearing too much in my younger years was pink! As it turns out I realise that the colour isn’t just for us women, it looks amazing on everyone of all shapes and colours. As I scroll through my social media feed I come to realise that all girls love pink! Makeup, clothing, accessories…you name it people everywhere are really feeling the many shades of pink. When I was in Las Vegas in July I found this incredible hot pink plus size convertible midi dress during my trip to Lane Bryant. When it comes to summer fashion we all love a bit of colour. I enjoy wearing bright, bold and striking colours when the sun is shining. With just a few days left in the season i’m making the most of the newest additions in my wardrobe.

I guess you could say people tend to think of pink as a girly colour, which it is but, many people are rocking it in a variety of ways. I’ve seen men sporting some really nice summer suits, slacks even sunnies this season. Ladies like myself have been playing around with prints, florals etc.. I don’t own a lot of pink but when I do get items this colour, I tend to go for hot pink! I was on the lookout for something comfortable and flattering to wear in the sweltering Vegas heat. As soon as I saw this plus size convertible midi dress I went right to the fitting room to try it on! The gathered detail makes it hang in a way where it clings to only the best parts. In these pictures I’m wearing this dress strapless. It does however come with additional straps that can slide into sewn in clips. With 2 adjustable sections you can make them a closer fit or far apart depending on the width of your shoulders and what feels best for you. The top of the bust-line is elasticated for a snug and secure fit so either way works.

I’m only 5’5 in height and so for me the length of the dress is maybe a bit longer than intended but, if you want something a little shy of maxi length and you’re 5’7 or under this would be perfect. The fabric is a super soft jersey, lightweight and perfect on a really hot day. For a delicate and simple dress, the material is thick enough to withstand a strong breeze and will conceal your undergarments when stretched.

I feel super girly when I wear pink but, I like to think of myself as the queen of coordination. I’m one of these people where everything has to match. When styling this look I did think that to add more pink would take away from the dress. Not wanting to look too candy coloured I decided to pull on a white denim jacket, white brogue shoes and a white pleather backpack. I’m always on the go and so I need my fashion to be fun and practical at the same time. I did however decide to wear my favourite pink lippy, Raspberry Miracle 04 from Lumene.

So I guess it’s kind of funny, the older I get, the more cutesy and girly I become! I don’t think we ever grow out of playing dress up, even if we do it in a playful, understated sort of way. Casual or glamorous, come rain or shine I love bright colours. Your mood can become heightened just by what you wear, the spring in your step may get some extra bounce and people may even smile at you more frequently. I intended on wearing some much needed colour in the autumn and winter months. I plan on transitioning from light summer styles to some interesting but fun looks this coming fall. You will most definitely see me wearing some fun things, who knows maybe even more pink!

This is the time of year when everything begins to change. Summer is fast coming to a close, autumn is approaching and school starts again for the youngsters. In my case the season has always brought with it madness and mayhem. By the time my school days were well and truly over another major element of my life began to really come into the forefront of things. Michael Jackson became an even bigger part of my life! It was back in October 2005 I finally saw the King Of Pop for the first time. In all of his superstar glory, MJ had arrived in my hometown of London and with this everything changed! Each year I love showcasing my fanship for Michael and this year i’ll be bringing in my retro vintage style!

All music fans out there like to represent their chosen style, genre or favourite artist. There were many years when I was limited in how I could incorporate MJ into my wardrobe. T-shirts were available in pretty much 1-2 dresses sizes, 99% of them in a black print or colourway. In all honesty there was great difficulty when it came to dressing in MJ related apparel and being girly at the same time. I like to be casual as much as the next person but every now and then my inner girly girl comes calling and I have to dress up in some way. When I found this amazing varsity style sweater I knew it had to be mine…

Of course I could rock this one with jeans but I wanted to do something a little different. As a lover of tutus and puffy skirts I thought I could bring a little MJ swagger into a sweet, cute and dainty style. I recently bought this white tutu and knew that with a cute pair of heels I could create a fun and fresh transitional outfit. Where did I find this amazing top with world famous dancing feet logo? Las Vegas Nevada…

This July one of my best friends Pez and I ventured out to Vegas for an MJ packed adventure. The plan was to do as many MJ related things as possible including getting some key items for Kingvention! For those of you who aren’t aware, myself and the boys celebrate Michael in ultimate style. Over the past 2 years we have thrown the only Michael Jackson fan convention that has reached the European continent! In a recent post I wrote called Bad Bitch you can find out in detail what is taking place this year!

As with many things concerning the King Of Pop if you want something done, you simply have to do it yourself! The sad thing is that there are millions of fans all over the world with limited outlets to have a good time and pay tribute en mass. I say this in reference to not only events and gatherings but also when it comes to merchandise. Fans for years have enjoyed fanzines, parties, special events etc. In recent years the option to pick up new apparel and merchandise has gotten even harder and more expensive…
Launching King Of Shop a few years ago we were able bring new official merchandise to the fans at a fair price. When the incredible stage show MJ One opened an amazing boutique and gift shop opened alongside the Cirque Du Soleil production.

Items that the fans had been seeking for years were finally available! Incredible right? The problem is that these are goods only available able to those who journey to Las Vegas. As you can imagine for many people this is a long way to go and extremely expensive. We decided that we would make the trip for the fans and pick up some goodies so that a little bit of MJ One could reach the UK and European fans. Many of these items are available at King Of Shop but, we have saved some specially for Kingvention attendees.

I went to the gift store every day that I was in Vegas! Truth be told, I saw the stage show in the middle of my trip. July 15th my birthday, I finally made it into the audience. I can honestly say that it was so worth the wait, it took me a few years to finally get there but I did it! A Michael Jackson event to a fan is like the NBA all stars event for a basket ball fan! If you have a ticket at the ready you can’t sit still until the day arrives! So there I was MJ-t-shirt on, black sequin jacket and all smiles. I have to say that anyone who has seen the Immortal show will be blown away by this one. It’s not at all what you expect and is very different to the first Cirque show based around Michael. Talk about a roller coaster of emotions. I laughed hysterically, cried with emotion, danced like I hadn’t in years and found myself awestruck. We see incredible acrobatics, choreography and MJ magic in one stage show!

One thing that was so incredible about seeing MJ One is the attention to detail. As soon as the doors open for you to walk in you are greeted by a stretched red carpet and paparazzi ready to take your photo! World famous costumes and props of Michael’s are on display in beautiful glass cabinets for all to see. A select menu of MJ style cocktails are available to enjoy in commemorative cups during the show… There is just so much to experience! The entire city of Las Vegas is celebrating Michael at the moment. Buses, trams, cabs, billboards and shuttles adorn the show’s Logo and of course I’m biased but, it’s not hard to see why the show is one of the best sellers of ALL the shows on the strip! The combination of Michael Jackson and Cirque is just perfection!

So as I said before, the boys and I will be celebrating MJ in style this September 30th. Limited tickets are available so if you’re an MJ fan, music lover or convention goer this is an event you simply cannot miss! Kingvention is by far the place to be this coming month. We have live interviews, performances, screenings, merchandise, exhibits, dancing and so much more! Be sure to get your ticket here!

Remember whatever you wear, feel fabulous in it and do it with a smile!

There isn’t a single day when I don’t happen upon images and clips of women discussing unicorns. I don’t know if it’s the pretty pastel colours, magical element, hint of whimsical wonder or something else? As a child one of my favourite movies was The Last Unicorn by Arthur Rankin Jr and Jules Bass. We see the story of the one remaining mythical creature in search of others like her in the world, becoming human and finding love in the process. I’m not sure if it was the movie or just the whole idea about them that captivated me but, I guess you could say I’ve always had a fascination and so of course I had to find the perfect unicorn pyjamas for my very own unicorn dreams…

For as long as I could remember I have been in love with unicorns. No mater where you look beautiful paintings and illustrations are everywhere. I always remembered them being shinning white creatures that looked like horned horses. In recent years we have seen a series of bright pastel colours and glitter associated with the mythical creatures. There have been clothing items, snapchat filters, accessories, hair styles and bright dye all incorporating a unicorn theme.

When I first saw this baby pink pyjama cami top and bottoms from Yours Clothing I knew they had to be mine! I love how light and comfortable these items are. If you’re a light sleeper like I am, you want to be as relaxed as possible when sleeping. At the end of a long, hard day nothing feels better than slipping into bed wearing something cute and light. Even though my favourite colour is blue I seem to have a lot of pink and purple bedding lol. It’s funny how things match when you don’t intend for them to…

I recently picked up a set of pillow cases from Primark which read, ‘saddle up unicorn, let’s ride rainbows’. When getting into bed with my super girly coloured sheets and now wearing this super cute set, I know i’m in for a good nights rest. I love that something so fun and childlike as a unicorn is as loved as it is today. People of all ages tend to love the idea of the beauty and magic behind unicorns and the fact that they make such a great fashion statement is a bonus!

Yours clothing currently have a selection of unicorn themed and coloured items as do other brands and companies everywhere. It’s nice to see that something I so loved as a child I can have fun with today. So who knows, you might love unicorns or just enjoy the pretty colours. If you fancy having unicorn dreams be sure to check out this fab set!

*These Pyjamas Were A Gifted Item

Remember whatever you wear, feel fabulous in it and do it with a smile!

What woman out there doesn’t love a cute and summery outfit with a little added flare? In summer we are given the opportunity to experiment with layers, colours, textures and prints. Skirts and dresses are my go-to items in the warmer months. Their light and easy style make putting outfits together a lot of fun and can bring in new flavour. I fell in love with this gorgeous pleated midi skirt from Lane Bryant as soon as I had seen it! The kiss coloured flowers, gentle pleats and light fabric touch on the vintage with elements of modern style and make this a great summer option. Pleated plus size skirts are everywhere at the moment in a variety of lengths and shapes. Currently the trend is bold, block colours and metallic fabrics and so, we have something a little different with this…

The highlight of my summer so far was of course my long anticipated trip to Las Vegas! For as long as I could remember I had wanted to see what made the city so spectacular. Weddings, celebrations and gambling are what sin city is most known for after all. In preparation for my American adventure I reached out to my friends at Lane Bryant to see if there was a store close to my hotel. The world famous fashion brand is a place all plus size fashionistas need to see when stateside! I’ve been a long-time fan of the company, their ethos shines bright with body positivity and their clothes reflect their views.

The weather was scorching hot as soon as I stepped off the plane and I knew that I was in for an amazing trip! I love the feeling of the sun on my skin and although I had an MJ packed few days; I couldn’t wait to meet the Lane ladies! Day one into my trip, I jumped in a taxi and headed over to the Stephanie Henderson store just a 30 minute drive away from the strip. I was greeted by a group of beautiful women with huge smiles and such a welcoming atmosphere. I felt like a total VIP, a beautifully lit dressing room had been set aside for me. Gorgeous clothes awaiting me, music playing and amazing vibes all around. I selected a series of items to try on (some of which you’ll see on the blog very soon).

Check out a review of the stripy dress I wore during my visit here (dress still available online).

Being in a Lane Store was an experience I won’t forget anytime soon. I have been admiring the variety of styles from the brand including their sexy Cacique Lingerie from afar and was finally able to try on countless items in sequence. I picked up this lace trimmed blush cami to wear with the skirt, also in 22. The colour matches the floral detail of the pleated skirt perfectly. Topped with a thick elasticated waist band and soft lining, the skirt is such a comfortable item on a hot day. It feels light against the skin and extremely soft to the touch.

I thought it would be nice to pair the outfit with my champagne coloured heels from Hotter and a soft denim shirt. Pretty, girly outfits can easily be dressed down slightly for a more casual summer look. It’s nice to stand out in a bright ensemble in an understated way sometimes. For accessories I opted for a gold clutch and these amazing Le Specs Liar Lair sunglasses in matte stone colour. My signature hoop earrings were a must in addition to my regular makeup and a soft pink lip gloss.

I have to say I had an incredible time in Vegas, especially meeting some of the Lane Bryant team. I really hope I get to see these incredible women again as they gave me a shopping experience that not only plus women want, all women want! On my way back to the hotel and reflecting on the previous few hours I had, it was clear to me that shopping should be a pleasurable experience and can be. I left the store feeling valued as a customer, had a series of stylish options to choose from and, that I wanted to return soon. I’d never felt so happy shopping for clothes as a fat woman before! I have of course said to the ladies that if they are ever on this side of the pond i’ll be sure to show them the sights and sounds of London!

*This Skirt Was A Gifted Item

Remember whatever you wear, feel fabulous in it and do it with a smile!

When it comes to the summertime there are many things to look forward to. Some of us make plans to travel and catch some sun, others decide to stay home and enjoy those surroundings. This past month I turned 30 and the big occasion was taking place in Las Vegas! The last time I was in the USA, I was on the west coast, LA to be exact. Some of my best friends had visited sin city before and so, they made sure to warn me of the extreme desert heat!

In preparation for a summer holiday we all tend to stock up on new clothes for the big trip. In my case I wanted to be fashionable and comfortable in the sunshine. Of course my birthday falls right in the middle of July, typically the hottest time of the year in Vegas with temperatures reaching up to 50 degrees. I had a lot to consider wardrobe-wise. The aim was to have a selection of summertime options that would be comfortable, easy to wear and fat friendly! Each summer there is one item that all women tend to look for and this is of course is a maxi dress.

When I saw this low cut tie-dye number from Junarose (also available at Simply Be) it was something that I really wanted to try. The splashes of blue and white would compliment many other items in my closet. I already knew that I could add my own style and flair to such an item. I tried this dress in both sizes 24 and 26; eventually opting for the 26. The V shape lines sat too high against my large bust in a 24 and so I decided to go one size bigger. We all like to explore when we go on our travels and so I thought it would be best to pair the dress with a simple pair of trainers. Las Vegas is a city built in the desert, with this in mind it was important to include a bag.

My white backpack was to help in carrying water bottles and other essentials. Aiming to protect my eyes from the bright sunshine, I borrowed Hanna’sPolaroid sunnies. Wearing this outfit I felt like a 1970s, disco diva. I really enjoyed wearing this look and found it to be extremely light and airy. The deep V cut, allowed for quite a helping of cleavage, which is fine with me lol. With my arms uncovered and exposed, it took a little added confidence to wear this one but I enjoyed myself and felt really great.

My amazing friend Venice had installed some crochet curls into my hair the very day before these photos were taken. The plan was to have a heat protective style for my hair that would be easy to manage. Many women with natural afro hair are conscious of protecting their hair from extreme heat and UV rays. Unfortunately I have found that no amount of oiling my hair has prevented it from drying out in the sunshine. I wanted a stress free, time-saving style and thought that curls would be a nice way to go. Interestingly enough, human hair is usually the chosen option when wearing extensions. Crochet braid wearers tend to go for synthetic styles instead. Of course this is helps when it comes to the price tag and can save one hundreds of pounds! I selected the Freetress GOGO curl, colour 1B.

I always select colour 1B when wearing extensions as this matches my natural shade. If I were to wear a weave or a wig, Brazilian or Peruvian hair would be my texture of choice. I have become a huge fan of crochet braids as they are such an easy style to wear and extremely lightweight. They come in a variety of curl and twist patterns and only take a short amount of time to install. Venice more than hooked me up! I thought it would be cool to include my navy bandana with this outfit to compliment the shades in the maxi-dress.

The sunshine is still here so i’m hoping that I will get a little more wear out of my summer clothing this season! I may have big hair, loud dresses and bold prints in my wardrobe but, I plan on experimenting. I find that you can surprise yourself when you just take a chance with your look!

Remember whatever you wear, feel fabulous in it and do it with a smile!

MAYAH

Hi guys I’m Mayah, I'm from London. I’m a total die hard Michael Jackson fan, fashion and beauty enthusiast, (In Love with Vintage, Pinup and Rockabilly looks). Music is on 24/7 with me and laughing is essential!